Might as well update my
impressions on the LG Quadbeat 2 (post burn in).
Fit update:
I still have a tough time getting a good fit. The nozzles are too short and overly angled for my ears. But I've gotten used to the 4 step procedure(developed after extensive trial and error) to get a good fit. There is a simpler 2 step procedure intended for casual listening.
Comfort update:
My fit problem forces me to use the HiFiman Bi flanges. These give me pressure problems over time and somehow the rim of the first flange tickles the inside of my ear. Sigh. I tried my sawed-off complys but hated what they did to the sound. So I'm limited to short listening sessions until I get some better tips.
Sound update:
I'll just repost my initial impressions(italicized) followed by the update.
The treble is special. It's not as smooth as the RE400 but not sharp enough to irritate me(I like my treble very smooth). Suppose you're listening to a track,and you know when(in the track) a crescendo of potentially sibilant treble will hit. Judging from the treble sparkle and clarity in the rest of the track you scrunch your eyes in anticipation. But it doesn't happen.
"In-perfect-measure" should sum that up
I'm very impressed with the detail and airiness in the highs. They don't sound like a budget pair at all.
The mids are nothing to write home about(blame the RE400). But they complement the excellent treble well. I don't seem to be getting all the details as I do from my RE400. Also there's a lack of overall dynamics. I haven't listened to enough music to nitpick but I expect them to handle most of it well enough.
The soundstage is impressive(again, with the right fit). It conveys a good sense of space that feels dry and empty at the rarest of times. However, it is much much wider than it is deeper.
Now on to the minuses
This is how I fell the bass was tuned: LG asked iSound(?) to wow them with a budget audiophile iem to go with the audiophile friendly G2. The team tuned it to be fairly neutral with great extention at both ends. No sub-bass roll off. And a hint of a V shaped sig to keep things interesting.
Satisfied, they present it to the G2 team who go "
, Why is this so boring? Where's the boom-boom?". Head of the LG G2 team proceeds to add a dollop of vaguely placed mid-bass dough on an exquisite cake.
The bass feels ill placed. Like a block that's important but doesn't fit. Like it was added as an afterthought. I can't put a finger on it. Maybe with more listening, I will be able to.
The mid-bass is "eccentric"
, is the best way to put it. I think EQing will iron it out a bit. But it will be tricky.
The sub-bass is controlled and unobtrusive. (I would love to have this sub-bass on my RE400s)
The treble is still fantastic. It somehow manages to sing without ever getting sibilant. They're like safety scissors. Can go to town on paper and keeps those stupid children from using themselves as craft material.
Now do I like it enough to prefer it over the overly smooth RE400 treble? ....nnngh.. No. I cannot say that. I love how the RE400 treble sits back and does its thing with aplomb. I don't feel like the QB2 is giving me any more detail. But it emphasizes the same details I get from the RE400. I guess I'm just not a treble head.....yet. In this phase of my audiophile journey, I'm a basshead partially converted to a mid-head.
But there is a scenario where I'd reach for the QB2. I do like the way it shreds through EDM and trance. This kind of music calls for some bite and more-than-needed clarity which the QB2 does deliver. The RE400 with its sub-bass roll off and smooth treble cannot cut it.
Has the burn-in cured the eccentric mid-bass? Well....no. But it has certainly tried. The mid-bass is slightly well behaved now. It still feels misplaced to me. But it isn't as frown-worthy as before.
The sub-bass is right up my alley when it comes to presence and rumble. I wish I could copy and paste it onto the RE400. I don't feel as if it has changed much with burn in. Any perceived difference could be a side effect of the better control in the mid-bass.
Does a simple EQ fix it?
I had no hope out of the box. As my gripe was not limited to the quantity.
I tried a narrow(later wider) drop of around 5-6dB in the 100-125Hz region.
What's happening here?
I found myself paying more attention to the differences I felt in the upper midrange and treble. It felt like the midbass vibrations were limiting the driver's capability. I really didn't expect the EQ to cause such a global change. The mid-bass didn't gain as much control as I would have liked. It continued to do its thing albeit in a more subdued way(good enough for me). The upper mids stepped forward a bit(no complaints, I actually welcomed it as the treble was hogging the sig).
Much to my disappointment, the treble would occasionally step out of line. And 'occasionally' became 'often' with EDM and its associated genres(the one thing it did better than my RE400s). Don't get me wrong, the treble isn't peaky at all. It just isn't to my personal liking. There may be many who will rave about "the awesome boost in treble".
Overall, this does flatten out the V quite a bit.(maybe an extra -dB or two on the mid-bass). What I felt like I ended up with is an occasional....."nike logo" like response(Sorry, I don't know what it's called)
So, I had a choice. Either leave that mid-bass alone. Or risk the adventurous treble. But "neutral" isn't my aim anyway. I have my RE400 for that. So, I used a modest 3.5 dB drop(for EDM and associated genres, 4.5+/-1dB for everything else). The mid-bass doesn't bother me much and I'm happy with the treble.
I'm glad I have my LG G2, as on-the-fly EQing is such a breeze.
And lo and behold, I can preset EQs for specific songs/albums with PowerAmp.
So everything kind of works out(in a sad kind of way)
Conclusion :
What we really need is a shoot-out with the right opposition. Regrettably, I cannot deliver. Let's hope ljokerl manages to get his hands on a set. However, I can tell you that it bests my dual driver Brainwavz R1 in every aspect except soundstage. They beat my Xears TD4 in sheer treble quality and soundstage. But my Xears had a way with music that allowed me to really indulge myself. (Also they were way more comfortable)
The Quadbest 2 is excellent, and I would recommend it in a heartbeat. I say this because most of my issues are quite personal and may not be the case for everyone. It is incredible what 30$ can get you these days. And more importantly, the effort being put into a 30$ product.
Thanks for bearing with me
. FX700 has got "it", the rest including EX1000 don't.
